Baseball

Fans Weigh In: Should Oneil Cruz Be the Pirates’ DH or Center Fielder?

by
Richard Hayes
April 11, 2026

In a recent poll, fans weighed in on the future positioning of Oneil Cruz within the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup. Cruz has started the season strong at the plate, boasting four home runs, 12 RBIs, and an impressive .292 batting average. However, his defensive struggles in center field have raised questions, as he has committed multiple errors that could impact the team’s performance.

The results of the poll indicate that 42% of fans believe Cruz should take on the designated hitter role instead of patrolling center field. This sentiment reflects concerns about his defensive reliability, prompting discussions about the best way to utilize his offensive talent. The challenge now lies in determining the role of Marcell Ozuna, who currently occupies the DH spot.

With Cruz proving to be a liability in center field, a change may be necessary sooner rather than later. As the Pirates look to solidify their lineup, the decision on Cruz’s position could be pivotal for the team’s success moving forward.

As always, fans are encouraged to check out FanDuel’s MLB page for betting opportunities, including odds on the Pirates winning the World Series (+5000) and their chances of making the playoffs (+164).

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.